Notes that must be mentioned about ISIS members

Hardened criminals are the make-up of the striking force of ISIS, they are often ex-criminals who were polarized permanently by ISIS. The people here in Mosul know this very well. Anyone can ask any Mosuli walking in the street about some of ISIS militiamen, and would be directly told that he used to know one who was an “alcoholic, thief, criminal” who used to put tattoos all over his shoulders and body, someone with criminal history. I personally know one of ISIS militiamen and he spent all of his life in jail, since his teenage-hood, for “sexual abuse” crimes; he’s an alcoholic and still drinks alcohol despite that he is with ISIS now; however, he wears their clothes, carries weapon and their flag now. Another one is known in the city, Al-Zinjeeli area specifically, and another who I was told about by my friend. My friend said: “could you imagine that this person has become with ISIS?” I said “and what’s with him?” He said “this guy used to sell porn CDs to the youth in the area and now is speaking in the name of God, Sharia’a and Islamic state!”. Previously, there was another known guy in Al-Zinjeeli area, also called “son of Widad” as his mother was a “prostitute” but at some time he become a prince in Al-Qaeda organization. Another one called by “Ibn Aziz” is known in his area by the nickname “Ahmed trash/waste”; he is one of ISIS leads today.

Do you think I’m exaggerating? I am not, at all. This is the truth. But you might be asking why would ISIS accept them? Aren’t they claiming that they follow Islamic Law/ Sharia’a exactly? Well, that’s because ISIS had put entrances and explanations for those in order for them to join their front, which is “the door of repentance” in addition to a usual sentence they use “your best in ignorance.. Your best in Islam..”. You can imagine the scene for yourself here. I must point out an important point to the non-Arab readers and non-Iraqis regarding the matter of drinking alcohol and having tattoos: such things are not acceptable, socially and religiously, in the Iraqi community generally and in Mosul’s community specifically, as Mosul’s community is known to be “conservative”.